One of the lesser-known facts about DreamWorks Studios’ upcoming cinematic version of the “Need for Speed” racing game series is that the Ford Motor Company will have an important role in the movie with its current generation Mustang series and to a smaller degree, the F-450 pickup truck.

Mind you, the Mustang hero-car featured in the film is not your run-of-the mill pony car, but a Ford-designed special model. Today, the Blue Oval released the first picture of the movie car that will be driven in the film by the protagonist and ‘Breaking Bad’ star, Aaron Paul.

It sports a custom-designed wide body accentuated by bespoke 22-inch wheels and larger twin air intakes on the striped hood for the supercharged V8 engine, along with a customized interior.

“’Need for Speed’ is rooted in Americana, and when we were casting our hero car for the film, Ford Mustang was the obvious choice,” said DreamWorks Studios’ Stacey Snider. “With its 50-year history in film, the iconic Mustang is the perfect co-star for Aaron Paul. We are privileged to have such an esteemed partner like Ford working with us on this film and look forward to seeing their Mustang up on the big screen next year.”

You won’t be the least surprised to learn that Ford is also “excited” about the product placement of its Mustang in the movie.

“Ford Mustang is a symbol of freedom and optimism that allows you to be the person you dream of being, making it the perfect fit for this story,” said Ford Executive Vice President, Global Marketing, Sales and Service, Jim Farley. “Ford is excited to partner with DreamWorks and Electronic Arts as they bring the epic gaming franchise of  ‘Need For Speed’ to the big screen, allowing us to go further with them as they tell their great story on the global stage.”

Along with the Mustang, Ford also provided an F-450 truck known in the film as “The Beast,” and another Mustang, which it said, served as a “specially designed camera car, which allows the filmmakers to capture car racing action in new and exciting ways.”

The Need for Speed movie is scheduled for release next year.

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